Dogs are such loving and empathetic creatures. They have strong protective instincts and will frequently take an animal under their wing if they believe it requires assistance.
That was the situation for one rescue dog, who became the orphaned foal’s keeper and greatest companion. S & K Quarter Horses, based in Fayette, Alabama, is owned by Karla Swindle. One of her horses, Sandy, a 22-year-old mare, had to be terminated a few years ago owing to worsening health.
Sandy’s foal, Tye, was left orphaned at just 9 days old, and his death was exceptionally sad.
However, Karla’s dog, Zip, instantly stepped in to soothe the orphaned newborn horse.
“All night, Zip stayed with me in the barn lane – the foal was resting in the alley, and he simply laid there with the filly,” Karla explained. Karla claims the dog stayed with Tye all night, consoling him with a compassionate paw after sensing his anguish.
According to IHeartDogs, she told the Lewiston Tribune, “[Zip] was resting there by his neck and the dog was whimpering, like sobbing.” “It shattered my heart.”
While Tye lost his mother that night, he acquired a closest friend in Zip, who promptly assumed the role of buddy and guardian for the foal. Karla speculated, “I guess he’s adopted it as his baby.” “He’s reassuring him that he’s not alone.”
Zip appeared to understand the tragedy and extended out a helping paw to this lost foal particularly. Dogs are emotionally sophisticated animals who seem to be able to feel when someone has died.
“Every year, we raise foals, and he would simply peek in the door and stare at them,” Karla told. “Zip could sense something wasn’t right that night.” She told the Tribune, “This is the first time he has just licked on one, nudged one, lain on one.”
Zip had been looking after Tye every day for weeks and was looking forward to seeing him every morning. “Every time I left for the barn, Zip would sprint to the stall and stand in front of it, waiting for me,” Karla explained.
“He would always beat me to the barn.” “As soon as I opened the door, he’d nearly knock me down before I could even go in.” He’d go over to the foal and rest his head on him if he was sleeping.”
Tye has subsequently matured into a happy, healthy horse, no doubt as a result of Zip’s early care and companionship. Tye now spends the most of his time with his other horses, and he’s forced to “leave the nest,” as it were, and become more self-sufficient from his canine father.
“You could tell Zip was there for the foal when he needed him,” Karla remarked. “And now that Zip knows the foal is fine, they’ve gone their own ways.”
We know these two will always be friends and have a special place in each other’s hearts, even if they don’t rely on each other anymore.
